County of Albany, New York

Office of the County Executive

Daniel P. McCoy

Proclamation
Honoring

Rafael A. Nieves, Jr.

1988-2011

For His Brave Service to Our Country

Whereas,

Rafael A. Nieves, Jr. served his country with strength and honor, he was an Army
Specialist assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat
Team, elite 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY.; and

Whereas,

he was born on July 23, 1988 in New Jersey to Rafael A. Nieves, Sr. and Tina Roman;
and

Whereas,

in 2009, Rafael joined the army for an eight year term, he was killed in combat on July
10, 2011 while on his first deployment in Afghanistan; and

Whereas,

he was honored with numerous awards and decorations including the Army
Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, North
Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and was awarded the Purple Heart; and

Whereas,

Rafael was passionate about serving his country, from a young age he wished to enlist in
the army, while in High School he served as a member of the Guilderland ROTC
program; and

Whereas,

he is survived by his beloved wife Sarah, and two children; Emma and Rafael A. III; and

Whereas,

he proudly and bravely answered the call of duty and served our country with great
honor; now I do hereby recognize

Rafael A. Nieves, Jr.

and call upon the residents of Albany County to join with me in saluting his valuable
contributions to our county and our great nation.
In witness thereof, I hereunto set my hand
and cause the seal of the County of Albany
to be affixed this 9th day of June, 2016
Daniel P. McCoy
Albany County Executive